Out March 9th on Warp, 'A Sufi and A Killer' is the type of album you didn't realized you were actually waiting for since years, until you hear it.
A little bit of History...
Since more than 20 years now, indie English label Warp & founder Steve Beckett have done a wonderful job bringing to people the most original and interesting acts in various genres. Beginning with electronic in the early 90's (Aphex Twin, Autechre), to experimental hip-hop (Antipop Consortium), Warp had seem to go more mainstream over the past years, introducing many indie rock acts in its roster, including successful Grizzly Bear and Maxïmo Park.
One one the most intriguing musician coming from Warp lately is Flying Lotus, signed with the label since 2007, and with a third album to be released early May.
Flying Lotus is an experimental music producer. He worked with Gonja Sufi on his 2008 album, 'Los Angeles', for the song 'Testament', song which finally allowed Gonja to gain notice from the blogosphere, and record label Warp. I think Gonja's album is more accessible but this deserve a listen.
Flying Lotus - Testament feat. Gonja Sufi
Ground control to Major Sufi...
Sumach Ecks, a.k.a Gonja Sufi, is a 32-years-old strange man, to say the least.
The kind of guy who lives in the Mojave Desert, teaches yoga during his spare time and is, well, spiritual . A guy who uses colours and emotions to describe his music, talk about shamanism, and clearly sounds like he just landed from Ganjaland. (Take a look at Clash Magazine interview, link below, you'll see what I mean !)
But beyond the oddness of the character, there is mostly an extraordinary musician, with a voice you don't hear often out there in the music business. A musician who managed to pull out a 19-tracks album without a false note. A masterpiece which show all his abilities to sing without showing off.
I challenge anyone to call 'A Sufi And A Killer' a certain genre of music, as it would automatically be simplistic. This album incorporate so many various melodies, music references and homages, so many powerful songs, that its typically the type of LP which give me staggers, only thinking of how many times I'll be able to listen to it, discovering more and more about it each time.
From a weird impression that you're part of a rain dance in first track '(Bharatanatyam)', to soft ballad 'Sheep', to bluesy 'Ageing', to airy/ambient 'Dust', 'A Sufi And A Killer' surely make you go through a wide range of emotions. Pick a comfy armchair, close your eyes, and enjoy the trip.
"Dust (Aduet)" by Gonja Sufi :
Gonja Sufi's interview on Clash Magazine : http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/gonja-sufi
Artist's website : http://www.sufisays.com/
Instead of the Myspace, which is a bit confusing, enjoy this wonderful player provided by Warp !
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